Rockport Ramblings
Jonathan L'Ecuyer
—
Adult-thriller turned young-adult fiction author Rodman Philbrick will be in town on Wednesday to talk about writing with youngsters and their parents at Rockport Public Library.
His latest book, "The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg," takes readers on a trek through the Civil War. While searching for his brother, the main character encounters tricksters, a snake-oil salesman, a hot-air balloonist, and the famed Maine regiment that saved Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg and helped the Union win the war.
The book earned Philbrick the prestigious 2010 Newbury Prize Honor Book Award.
He was honored by the American Library Association for his debut novel for teens, "Freak the Mighty." That book has been translated into many languages and is read in classrooms throughout the world. It was adapted to the screen in 1998 as "The Mighty."
Since then, Philbrick has gone on to write adult mysteries as well as fiction for young readers.
Philbrick received the Best Novel award from the Private Eye Writers of America in 1993 for "Brothers and Sinners." The Voice of Youth Advocates and American Library Association named Philbrick's "The Last Book in the Universe" as the best science fiction selection and best young adult book of 2001.
In addition to writing adult mysteries, Philbrick and his wife Lynn Harnett collaborate on mass-market paperbacks for school-age readers, and have begun several novel series in the horror and science fiction genres.
Philbrick will discuss his latest work on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. and all are welcome to attend, said Library Director Hope Coffman.
The Meet the Author series is sponsored by the Rockport Public Library, the Friends of the Library, and Toad Hall Bookstore, which donates net income to environmental projects. The program was coordinated by Friends of the Library Board member Judy Spurr.
Walking guide updated
The 16th edition of the Rockport Walking Guide, produced by the Rockport Chamber of Commerce, a Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, is now available for distribution through the mail, in visitor centers, public buildings, and at business locations throughout Rockport. The new and updated 2010-2011 Walking Guide features brighter and sharper colors and a revised map of the downtown area and points of interest, including historic sites, parking areas, rest rooms, public services, and the recently opened Shalin Liu Performance Center.
The new edition also includes newly created icons to identify the various listings for shops, galleries, restaurants, and inns, and has updated the three self-guided walking tours in and around the scenic downtown area.
The map for this edition of the Walking Guide has been expanded to include historic markers, churches, Old Garden Beach, and Old Garden Path, and now stretches from Back Beach to Marmion Way, and includes Whistlestop Mall and the train station. The new and updated edition has a total of 73 business listings, including seven new listings.
The Rockport Chamber has produced 30,000 copies to help guide Rockport visitors throughout the year ahead. Anyone interested in obtaining copies of the 2010-2011 guide is encouraged to stop by or call the Rockport Information Booth or the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce offices at 978-546-6575.
Quick hits
Rockport's own teen sax and clarinet performer Alek Razdan and his swinging five-piece band, the A-Train Orchestra, invite you to bring your love of good music as well as your dancing shoes to an evening event for all ages at the Rockport Art Association.
The performance is set for Friday, Aug. 13, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
"Although I take my music seriously, I think that serious musical appreciation does not need to take place in a seated concert hall situation," explained Razdan. "Most of the great old masters of jazz, swing, and blues performed in clubs or halls where audiences were able to get up and move to the music. I think this builds a real connection between the performers and the audience and it makes the music magical for everyone."
The A-Train Orchestra features Razdan on tenor and soprano saxes, clarinet and vocals; dad Rik Razdan on tenor and baritone saxes and clarinet; Dave "Doc" Vincent on drums; Ken Demaine on bass; and Dan Whalan on guitar.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for teens and children. Seating as well as refreshments will be available. Tickets are on sale at several Rockport businesses and at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main St., 978-546-6604. Those in Gloucester can pick up a ticket in the city at Gloucester Music, 210 Main St., 978-281-4874.
People in the news
Donna McAleer, author of "Porcelain On Steel: Women of West Point's Long Gray Line," has been awarded a 2010 Gold Medal by the Military Writers Society of America in the Military/Army category. She will be discussing her book at St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Broadway on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Rockport Ramblings is compiled each week by reporter Jonathan L'Ecuyer. If you have an item for Ramblings, call L'Ecuyer at 978-283-7000 x3451, or e-mail jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
